Assessing the Impact of Multilevel Comprehensive Programming on SNAP-Ed Participant Behaviors

Purpose: To examine differences in dietary, physical activity, and food selection behaviors of Utah SNAP-Ed participants who had varied breadth of engagement with various components of multilevel programming.Method: SNAP-Ed participants received a survey approximately 1 year after participating in nutrition classes. The survey measured diet, physical activity, and food selection behaviors and breadth of engagement with components of SNAP-Ed programming. Components of programming included nutrition education for adults and youth, nudge programs in food pantries and corner stores, farmers' market booths, social marketing campaign materials, and social media platforms. Kruskal-Wallis tests assessed differences in behaviors between varying breadths of program engagement.Results: Among the 124 respondents, certain dietary behaviors improved with increased breadth of program engagement including intake of vegetables, low-fat dairy, and lean protein. Food selection behaviors including using MyPlate and preparing healthy foods on a budget, also improved with increased engagement. Physical activity was not impacted by additional breadth of exposure.Conclusions and Implications: Findings suggest that multilevel comprehensive programming may enhance the impact of SNAP-Ed education for certain behaviors. Additional research is warranted on the impact of SNAP-Ed multilevel programming on targeted behaviors and health outcomes.